The Mondays: We still can confirm that it is December

San Diego Chargers 20 - Dallas Cowboys 17- ROMO ALERT: It's still December. But let's at least acknowledge that the Cowboys do have a tough schedule for their final three games (which included the Chargers on Sunday).

They get the undefeated Saints next, who are still fighting for that homefield advantage, Washington, who always gives them a rough time and they get Philly, who will no doubt be gunning for the NFC East. The Cowboys could win one of those two, but a lot of people aren't putting it past them to keep the losing streak going. We'll see what happens on Saturday night.

New England Patriots 20 - Carolina Panthers 10- It seems all the talk is about Randy Moss. Is he done in New England? Some Panther players think Moss"shut it down". It's possible, but with the year the Patriots have had, this could just be one of those years where nothing goes right. It's been a frustrating year for the Patriots.

A lot of people are speculating that the Pats are peaking. I don't know for sure. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pats go out next week and put up 50 against Buffalo. Then again, they could lose by 3 late, as well.

Miami Dolphins 14 - Jacksonville Jaguars 10- With the win on Sunday in Jacksonville, Miami needs to parlay this into three more wins and hope Jacksonville and Baltimore falter to get the sixth spot in the AFC Wild Card. They have Tennessee, Houston and Pittsburgh. A lot hinges on what Baltimore does though. Jacksonville still holds the sixth spot, but they have Indy, New England and Cleveland. I wouldn't be surprised if Jacksonville lost all three games.

Baltimore Ravens 48 - Detroit Lions 3- The Ravens need to win out, but they have a decent shot to get that sixth spot. The Ravens get Chicago (great another loss for my guys), Pittsburgh and Oakland (spoiler alert).

Sunday Night Recap: Philadelphia Eagles 46 - New York Giants 38- The Eagles lead in the East. Meanwhile, the Giants are in danger of falling out of the playoff race for good this season. Philly gets San Francisco, Denver and Dallas.

Two out of three (one of them being a Dallas win) should give the Eagles the NFC East. The Giants need to beat Washington (road), Carolina, and Minnesota (2nd seed). They could potentially win out, but Dallas is the wild card (no pun intended) for the rest of the season.

MONDAY NIGHT PICK: Arizona over San Francisco

The Mondays: The Browns and Panthers finally win a game

Cleveland Browns 6 - Buffalo Bills 3- Who would have thought that Billy Cundiff and Rian Lindell would have been the leading scorers today...Then again, who would have thought that Derek Anderson could have a 2-for-17 passing day? Sadly the truth is, there are no winners.

Carolina Panthers 20 - Washington Redskins 17- The Redskins might be the biggest headscratcher in the NFL. They lost to the Lions and now the Panthers. This post from DC Sports Bog should say it all about Jim Zorn and how he's viewed in the media right now.

Cincinnati Bengals 17 - Baltimore Ravens 14- So the Bengals are in first place in the AFC North. I said they'd go 5-11. They're now 4-1 and they get Houston at home this upcoming week. Guess who's eating his words...? In case you didn't figure out, yeah I mean me. The Bengals have played terrific football this season. There's no reason why the Bengals can't make a statement and get to the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks 41 - Jacksonville Jaguars 0- Great day for Matt Hasselbeck as he threw four touchdown passes.

Dallas Cowboys 26 - Kansas City (Dallas Texans) Chiefs 20- ROMO ALERT: Our namesake threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Oh and 250 of those yards belong to Miles Austin. He scored two touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime.

Denver Broncos 20 - New England Patriots 17- Looks like Josh McDaniels isn't getting a Christmas card from Bill Belichick anytime soon. More importantly, the Broncos, led by Kyle Orton, are 5-0. Not since the '98 season have the Broncos started 5-0.

SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: Indianapolis Colts 31 - Tennessee Titans 9- So, umm, the Titans don't look very good. They're 0-5 and face New England this week. Oh and you don't want to face Bill Belichick after a loss. The Titans could go 0-6 heading into the bye week. The odds just aren't good in Tennessee.

MONDAY NIGHT PREDICTION: Miami over New York Jets

Enjoy your Monday!

Hump Day: The Loser Rankings- The Aztec Tomb Edition

So here we are with another day for the Losers. However, this week, we're doing something different. We're going to take a look at all the teams that are currently 0-3. Is there hope still or should these teams just jump in the Aztec Tomb. Who's first!?

Miami Dolphins- So the Dolphins have no Chad Pennington for the season and their new starting quarterback is Chad Henne. But wait, the Dolphins traded for Tyler Thigpen on Tuesday.

The Dolphins are in the middle of the pack when it comes to offense and defense ranks. They have back-to-back home games. If the Dolphins split those games, they'll be 1-4 going into the bye week. The remaining non-division schedule includes Pittsburgh and New Orleans. However, the Dolphins also have games against other 0-3 teams like the Bucs, Titans and Panthers.

Verdict: I don't see the Dolphins making the playoffs, but they will win six games. So no tomb for the Dolphins.

Cleveland Browns- Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn? The problem for this team goes much deeper than the quarterback controversy. They're at the bottom of the NFL in offense and 30th defense. Things have gone from bad to worse. The Mangini Magic is not working. They have Cincy this week. The Browns have Green Bay, Chicago and San Diego still on the schedule.

Verdict: Get in the tomb! The Browns will go 2-14.

St. Louis Rams- The Rams are averaging 8 points per game. Steve Spagnulo probably should have held out for a better job. But it is what it is. They get San Francisco and Minnesota next. They have Indy, Chicago and New Orleans still left in their non-division schedule.

Verdict: Rams will go 1-15. I think it's safe for them to get in the tomb.

Tennessee Titans- All three of the Titans losses were by a combined 13 points. They've kept it close, but not close enough. Good news though Titans fans, they face Jacksonville on Sunday. New England and San Diego are on the schedule, as well as the Rams and the Dolphins.

Verdict: This might be the best 0-3 team out of the entire group. They won't win 13 games, but they still have a shot at .500. They do have the ability to go 9-7.

Kansas City Chiefs- They lost to the Raiders, which was their only winnable game. They also lost to Baltimore and Philadelphia (granted it was against Kevin Kolb). They have the Giants and the Cowboys for their next two games. The division isn't very strong (do you really think the Broncos are good enough to win the division?).

Verdict: Todd Haley will be lucky to win seven games for the Chiefs. I see them going 6-10, but no Aztec Box.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Johnson starts on Sunday for the Bucs. There isn't a lot of bright spots for this team. They have Washington and Philly next. They still have the Jets and Patriots.

Verdict: 4-12, go ahead and get in the Aztec Tomb.

Carolina Panthers: Where do I begin? I have no idea what to think about this team. They should be good, but they're not...It's a bye for the Panthers this week (and it comes at a great time). They have Miami, Buffalo, Minnesota and both New York teams. It just doesn't look that good.

Verdict: 5-11, 6-10 sounds possible. I don't see it being any worse than 3-13 though.

I'll have a Loser Ranking next week for sure though.

Tuesdays with Romo: Dallas wins a snoozer

Wow, this was really my first legitimate opportunity to sit down and watch some football and go figure, it's a snoozer.

Dallas Cowboys 21 - Carolina Panthers 7- There's not much to say. It was a BORING game. It was a game that saw the Cowboys run the football for more than 200 yards.

ROMO ALERT: The namesake threw for 255 yards passing, but no touchdowns. If there's a bright side, Romo didn't throw any interceptions.

The Cowboys are now 2-1. The Panthers are now in something deeper than trouble.

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Carolina Panthers

The overall preview's will be much shorter and I'll be focusing instead on the burnin' questions. There's only a couple of weeks left so I need to take care of the rest of the NFL before the season starts. Only a select few from here on in will get the full preview treatment.

For now, I'll focus on the burnin' questions:

Most Offensive Player: DeAngelo Williams
Most Defensive Player: Julius Peppers
Best New Guy: Corvey Irvin
Coolest Twitter Page: Jon Beason
Team Song: Carolina Blues by Blues Traveler
Coolest Names (Top 3): Captain Munnerlynn, Mackenzie Bernadeau, Dante Rosario
Most Likely to Succeed: Steve Smith
In 2009, the Panthers will go: 11-5

I'll be back on Tuesday with a doubleheader to wrap up the NFC South.

The Division Showdowns: Arizona at Carolina

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers- Saturday 8:15 PM ET on FOX

These two teams squared off in week 8 of the 2008 season. In that game, the Cardinals jumped out to a 17-3 lead. However, the Panthers would put up 21 points in the third quarter, as well as a field goal in the fourth quarter, to defeat the Cardinals 27-23.

Kurt Warner and his trio of receivers (Boldin, Fitzgerald and Breaston) dominated the passing attack for the Cardinals. Warner threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers never gave up more passing yards then in the game against the Cardinals.

It seems unlikely that the Cards will have the same kind of success. It seems harder knowing that the Panthers will focus much of their defense on the passing attack. However, the Falcons couldn't stop the Cardinals, so anything is possible.

The key for the Panthers is the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are a true 1-2 combo punch. Williams and Stewart represent 2351 of the 2437 rushing yards for the Panthers this season. The Panthers ran for 30 touchdowns this season, best in the NFL.

The Cardinals are in the middle of the pack when it comes to giving up rushing yards. However, the Cardinals managed to shut down the Michael Turner attack, holding him to only 42 yards.

My Pick: The Cardinals have had their great deal of road woes this season. They're 3-5 on the road. So I don't think they could pull it off. I'm picking the Panthers.

Tomorrow, I'll profile the NFC match-up.

Friday Briefs: NFL Picks- Week 4

It was another great week for yours truly. I went 4-1 for the week. After three weeks, I am 11-4. Things are looking up for me. Hopefully, I can keep things going.

Tennessee over Minnesota- It makes perfect sense.

Denver over KC- Like KC has a chance?

Carolina over Atlanta- I like that the Falcons are 2-1, but the Panthers are a tough team.

Jacksonville over Houston- The Jags are back on track.

UPSET: San Francisco over New Orleans

Enjoy the weekend.

Friday Briefs: NFL Picks- Week 2

Last week was a rough way to start the 2008 season. My picks didn't pan out the way I thought they would. Never fear, this week should be much better.

Green Bay over Detroit- Detroit could very well start 0-2.

Indianapolis over Minnesota- Indy gets back on track.

Carolina over Chicago- I could see this game being close.

Seattle over San Francisco- Hey, least they're not traveling across the country.

UPSET PICK: Oakland over KC

Enjoy the weekend

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Carolina Panthers

This week, our NFL Preview of the 32 teams is goin' South. We will profile all 4 teams in the NFC South. Today though, our focus is on the Carolina Panthers.

Is it me, or do we expect too much from the Panthers. It seems like everytime somebody predicts them to win the Super Bowl, they always fall short. When we don't expect anything from the Panthers, they always do well.

Last season, the Panthers went 7-9, finishing tied for second in a weak NFC South. This happened after the Panthers started four quarterbacks for the season. These four were Vinny Testaverde, Matt Moore, David Carr and Jake Delhomme. None of these quarterbacks threw for 1000 yards in the season, or even 10 touchdowns.

This season, only Delhomme and Moore are back for this season. All signs point to Delhomme starting. Of course, it all depends on Delhomme staying healthy.

One starter on offense won't be playing for Carolina in 2008 and that is Deshaun Foster. This means that DeAngelo Williams will now be carrying the load for the Panthers this season. However, he won't be alone as rookie running back Jonathan Stewart will be playing second chair. If all goes well, this 1-2 combo can take pressure off of Delhomme.

The Panthers will open up the 2008 NFL season on the road as they travel to sunny San Diego to take on the Chargers. The Panthers have notable home games against Chicago, Kansas City, Arizona and Denver. Notable road games for the Panthers include some against Oakland, Minnesota and New York (Giants):

Time for those burnin' questions (Yearbook style):

• Starting quarterback in 2008: Jake Delhomme (I think)
  
  
• Leading rusher in 2008: DeAngelo Williams- 1200 yards
  
  
• Rushing yards for Jonathan Stewart: 786 yards
  
  
• Leading receiver: Steve Smith- 1250 yards
  
  
• Chances John Fox is fired at end of season: 0%
  
  
• Number of sacks for Julius Peppers: 8 (Barring injury)
  
  
• Coolest names (Top 3): Maake Kemoeatu, Toniu Fonoti, Brad Hoover (Dan Conner gets honorable mention)
  
  
• 80s song that best describes team: Second Chance - 38 Special
  
  
• In 2008, the Panthers will: Finish the season 9-7, in second place
  

Friday Briefs: The 'Where Will Jason Taylor Go' Game

It's Friday and I don't have to go to school......For a week. Woo, a whole week off from school, only to return for summer school (my choice). With that, I'll also be taking a week off from the blog, barring any huge story breaking in the next week. So for my last post before I head home for the week, I thought I'd play a little game.

With the recent situation surround Jason Taylor and the Miami Dolphins, I figured what the hey; I'll generate some scenarios for where Jason Taylor could end up, in case he is traded or released before June 1.

So.....LET'S PLAY WHERE THE HELL WILL JASON TAYLOR GO......

Kansas City Chiefs

This move makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs. They traded away Jared Allen to the Vikings and need to fill the spot. Could you imagine Tamba Hali and Jason Taylor lining up on the ends with Glenn Dorsey at the defensive tackle spot. I'm getting all tingly just thinking about it. If the Chiefs can pull it off, that would be the biggest acquisition of the off-season.


Washington Redskins

This might be a stretch, but Dan Snyder tried to get Chad Johnson, do not think for two minutes that Snyder won't wheel and deal to try and get Taylor.

New Orleans Saints

This move would make sense for the Saints. They don't have much depth. They also have a lot of salary cap room. Taylor would give a huge boost to a struggling defense. In 2007, Charles Grant and Will Smith combined for a total of 9.5 sacks. Taylor recorded 11 sacks in 2007. I'm not saying it would be enough, but it's better than before.

Carolina Panthers

With the recent retirement of Mike Rucker, the Panthers are pinning their hopes and dreams on Tyler Brayton, who didn't start a game for Oakland in 2007, but still played 16 games. Brayton recorded only nine tackles on the season. Taylor would be a complement to fellow end, Julius Peppers. Peppers recorded a career low, 2.5 sacks in 2007. If Taylor comes to Carolina, it will be one less problem for John Fox to deal with.

Seattle Seahawks

This team is a top ten defense in the NFL. Could you imagine seeing Jason Taylor wearing a Seahawks uniform? It's flabbergasting! This team is stacked with an excellent defense from line, to secondary. Taylor could send the Seahawks to South Florida, come February.


That's all I have for now. Enjoy your weekend and Memorial Day.

Oh No Romo

Friday Briefs: Making the Picks

I know you are probably wondering why I haven't been posting on the site as of lately. Well, I'm at home, where the dial up grows and my impatience wears on me. That being said, I will be heading down to Chicago on Sunday and will not be around to make my usual 'Mondays' post. You won't be seeing me do a recap for week 16. Don't worry, I have plenty of stuff planned for when I get back (or so I think).

Time for some picks.

• Carolina Panthers over Dallas Cowboys
  
• Jacksonville Jaguars over Oakland Raiders
  
• Green Bay Packers over Chicago Bears (Sorry guys)
  
• Seattle Seahawks over Baltimore Ravens
  
• Buffalo Bills over New York Giants

In case I don't see you. Have a happy holidays.

Nos

Friday Brief's: Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Happy Friday, everybody.

It is time for those crazy NFL Picks. Last weekend, I went 3-2 and am now 10-5 on the year. I am still over .500, but I need to keep on going.

• Green Bay Packers over Minnesota Vikings- Brett Favre and his team of youngins are on fire at this point. Do not expect the Vikings to win, unless you are a poor Vikings fan.
  
• San Francisco 49ers over Seattle Seahawks- Yes the Niners don't have a great offense, but they're playing at home. It will be close, very close.
  
• Indianapolis Colts over Denver Broncos- It's Indy, at home, this is going to be fun fun fun. Still not convinced, let this change your mind.
  
• Carolina Panthers over Tampa Bay Buccaneers- David Carr, or Jake Delhomme? I think Delhomme starts and the Panthers win. If Carr starts, I might as well add a loss to the column.
  
• Kansas City Chiefs over San Diego Chargers- Hey somebody has to win. This game will be very painful to watch, and not because of Randy Cross.

See ya

Nos

Hump Day Pt. 2: The Carolina Panthers

It's part two of the Hump Day edition. Today we continue covering the NFC South.

The Panthers finished the season in second place, going 8-8 and just missing out on a spot in the Wild Card.

The Panthers drafted LB Jon Beason out of Miami with their first round pick in this year's draft. They also drafted WR Dwayne Jarrett out of USC, in the second round.

The Panthers open up the regular season on the road, as they take on the Rams. They also face the Colts at home, the Titans on the road, and both the Seahawks and the Cowboys at home.

Time for the best part of the show, the burnin Yearbook Style questions:

1. DeShaun Foster will: Be the teams leading rusher
2. DeAngelo Williams will: Lead the team in touchdowns
3. Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett will be: A powerful WR combo, just like at USC (Note: Not the Steve Smith drafted with the Giants)
4. Most likely to succeed as QB for Panthers in 2007: Jake Delhomme
5. David Carr will: Be sacked
6. John Fox will: Be a candidate for the NY Giants coaching job
7. Kiss song that best describes the team: I Stole Your Love
8. In 2007, the Panthers will: Go 8-8, missing the playoffs

See you guys tomorrow

Nos